Blue Valley West built a 23-point lead in the first half, and saw Manhattan High pull within seven early in the fourth quarter, but the Jaguars were able to hold off the Tribe 55-45 in the opening game of the McPherson Invitational. Joey Lillis scored 13 of his 14 points in the first half for Blue Valley West, and the Jaguars took advantage of 10 MHS turnovers in the first 16 minutes to lead 38-18 at the break. BV West shot 16 of 23 from the field (70 percent), while the Tribe knocked down only 30 percent of their attempts.
However, as much as MHS struggled in the first half, they were the team who came out of the locker room with energy, outscoring the Jaguars 13-2 in the third quarter. West though would stiffen in the fourth quarter, and hang on for the win. Two other players joined Lillis in double figures for the Jaguars (5-3) as Ryan Ralston added 13 points, and Blaise Gammon had 11. Jacob Holloway had 11 points, including three treys to lead the Tribe (5-4), and Payton Stephens had 10 points.
Manhattan High boys basketball will drop to the consolation semifinals on Friday afternoon at 3:00pm at the Roundhouse in McPherson. Pregame coverage on SportsRadio 1350 KMAN will start at 2:45.
